RFK Jr urges parents to vaccinate kids amid record measles outbreak

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine critic, has urged parents to vaccinate their children against measles, a disease that has seen a record-breaking outbreak in the United States. The call comes as measles, declared nearly eradicated in the U.S. a quarter-century ago, makes a significant resurgence.

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Parents should get their children vaccinated for measles.

During a CNN interview, Kennedy stated, "Parents should get their children vaccinated for measles." He acknowledged the vaccine's effectiveness, noting it stops measles in about 97% of cases. This public plea marks a notable shift for Kennedy, who has previously advised Americans against taking medical advice from him.

The U.S. has confirmed over 2,370 cases of measles this year, exceeding the total from last year, which was already a multi-decade high. Medical experts attribute the increase in measles cases to declining immunization rates. This trend is often linked to vaccine skepticism, a stance that Kennedy himself has promoted through his past statements and advocacy.

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A measles vaccine is effective, it stops measles in about 97 per cent of the cases. People should get vaccinated.

Despite the surge in cases, Kennedy denied taking responsibility for the outbreak during the CNN interview. He accused the interviewer of "repeating like a parrot" and becoming "flustered." Health officials have cited a public backlash against government pandemic responses and Kennedy's past anti-vaccine advocacy as factors undermining trust in immunizations.

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Absolutely not.

National vaccination rates for measles, mumps, and rubella have fallen below the 95% coverage threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. Experts suspect the actual number of measles cases is higher than reported due to undercounting and a decline in vaccination rates, which are even lower in certain communities. International health officials are set to meet in November to assess whether the U.S. and Mexico have lost their measles-free status.

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The whole thing about 'vaccines have been tested and there's been this determination made' is just a lie.